Best-Rated Computers for Business

See Our Ratings Methodology.

Best computers for small business

Most Satisfied Customers | Apple

Apple proved to be the favourite when it comes to computers for small businesses, scoring five stars across most categories, including overall satisfaction, battery and charging performance, features and functionality, performance and design.

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How we rate computers for small business

Our review compares computers on customer satisfaction, so you can find out what other Aussies think about the compared brands before you go ahead with a purchase. Think of it as like asking hundreds of your friends which computer brand they think is best!


Canstar Blue surveyed 467 Australians for their feedback on the new computer(s) they’ve purchased and used for business purposes in the last two years.

  • The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.


Respondents rate their satisfaction with their computer brand(s) from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
  • Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with a computer brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
  • Battery & charging performance: the computer/laptop battery lasts well during usage, and is easy and efficient to charge.
  • Value for money: the cost is reasonable for the quality and performance of the computer.
  • Features & functionality: the computer offers a number of features and functions to help with everyday use and tasks.
  • Performance: the computer performed its various functions as expected, and to a high quality and speed, and its performance hasn’t reduced over time .
  • Design: the computer has a sleek and aesthetic design, with buttons easy to reach and use.
  • User friendliness: the computer was easy to use, and came with sufficient instructions.
  • Durability: the computer was made of sturdy materials, and is able to handle general use over time.

The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.

  • Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
  • When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
    • The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.

Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.

  • Apple
  • Acer
  • HP
  • Lenovo
  • Dell

Find more detailed information on our Most Satisfied Customer methodology.


MYOB Accounting Software

Looking to make dollars and cents of your personal or small business finances? MYOB’s accounting software includes options for invoicing, payroll, expenses and more. For more information on the featured plans below, click the button below to be referred to MYOB’s site.

MYOB Logo

Business Lite

For sole traders and small businesses with up to 2 employees.

  • Create and send unlimited professional invoices and quotes
  • Track income and expenses
  • Add payroll for up to 2 employees ($1.50/month per employee)
  • Try Free for 14 days
  • Pay $5/mth for first 6 months, $31/mth after offer period
  • Base subscriptions only. New customers only. T&Cs Apply.
$5/month
min. cost $5
Go to site
MYOB Logo

Business Pro

For small businesses ready to optimise cashflow and grow.

  • Advanced reporting and analytics
  • Connect unlimited bank accounts
  • Add payroll for unlimited employees (extra $1.50/month per employee)
  • Pay $8/mth for first 6 months, $58/mth after offer period.
  • Base subscriptions only. New customers only. T&Cs Apply.
$8/month
min. cost $8.00
Go to site
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Business AccountRight Plus

For established businesses needing to fast track pay runs and inventory.

  • Unlimited payroll at no extra cost
  • Add unlimited inventory items
  • Bill by time
  • 50% off for first 3 months then $141/mth after offer period
  • Base subscriptions only. New customers only. T&Cs Apply.
$70.50/month
min. cost $70.50
Go to site

Top computer brand for small business — Apple

Apple Computer

Apple made it two in a row, winning our ratings for best computers for small business again in 2024. The tech giant scored five stars for overall satisfaction, battery and charging performance, features and functionality and for performance and design. It scored four stars in the remaining categories: value for money, user friendliness and durability.

Acer took second place, scoring four stars for overall satisfaction and in most other categories, however it was the only brand to score five stars for value for money and durability. HP came in third place with four stars for overall satisfaction, followed by Lenovo and Dell, which both scored three stars for overall satisfaction.

Whether you’re after a laptop or a desktop computer, Apple produces a range of great quality — and often expensive — computers. If you’re after a laptop, there’s the more lightweight and thinner MacBook Air, while if you’re after a more powerful performance, the MacBook Pro might be the way to go. If you prefer a desktop, you’ll have the option of an all-in-one iMac, or a Mac Mini with a separate display. Whatever your business needs, Apple has a wide range of computers to suit.

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About our technology experts


Emma Bradstock: Senior Telco Specialist

Emma-Circle

Emma Bradstock has been an authority on consumer phone, internet, technology and streaming markets in Australia for over five years, with a dedication to providing Aussies with all the information they need to make better purchasing decisions. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media from Macquarie University and has a decade of professional writing experience in print and digital media.

Meet the Editorial Team

 

Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist

Sam Howse Research Specialist

Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.

Meet the Research Team

Past Ratings

Here are the past winners from Canstar Blue’s computers for businesses ratings:

  • 2023: Apple
  • 2022: HP
  • 2021: HP

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